After dreaming about a new kitchen for years, we finally took the leap and renovated the heart of our Washington, DC home. A kitchen remodel can feel overwhelming, but our experience was surprisingly smooth thanks to two incredible partners: IKEA and Kitchen Renovation LLC in Virginia. Plus my free, handy Kitchen Renovation Budget Tracking Spreadsheet that I updated regularly to keep track of spending, items, and links for where we purchased things.
IKEA Kitchen Design Plan and Cabinetry
One of the biggest decisions we had to make was choosing cabinetry. After researching several local options, we decided on IKEA kitchen cabinets, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. Not only are the cabinets beautiful and functional, but the entire planning process was incredibly well organized and affordable with excellent quality. And if we need repairs in the future, I know IKEA will be there!
Our first step in planning was scheduled and completed with an IKEA kitchen planner over Zoom. This virtual planning session was the perfect way to get started, allowing us to discuss our layout, storage needs, and overall vision from the comfort of our home. This meeting was a dipping our toes in the water to see options and get quotes.
The next step for us was visiting our local IKEA store (there are several in the DMV) with my husband to chat with the IKEA team, see the cabinets in person, hardware, etc. I highly recommend an appointment which you can make online. During this meeting, the plan really came to life! While we met in person, we made major adjustments when met with the designer in the store. He was incredible ideas and really cared. He made sure we explored the showroom, opened drawers and cabinets, and discussed the pros and cons before making our large order. We felt confident with our decisions knowing exactly what our finished kitchen would look like.
Another highlight of working with IKEA was their in-home measurement service. Having professionals come to our home ensured that every measurement was accurate before ordering. This gave us peace of mind that everything would fit perfectly. Once our order was placed, the IKEA delivery arrived on schedule and in great condition and the delivery people were kind too. There were A LOT of flat boxes involved in a full kitchen renovation. We had to clear an area in our home just for boxes that included space for building it too. We had a few deliveries.
Our Favorite: The Kitchen Renovation LLC Team
IKEA cabinetry needs expert IKEA cabinet installers. And that is where Kitchen Renovation LLC comes in. They truly exceeded our expectations! Not only are they experts at installing IKEA cabinets, but also take down walls, install walls, do bathroom renovations, entry way renovations, and much more! I am grateful to have used them and hope others reach out for their needs. Reach out now to get on their schedule!
From our very first meeting, Dusan impressed me with his professionalism, knowledge, and attention to detail. He also had great ideas that I hadn’t thought of. In fact, make sure you meet with Dusan BEFORE ordering IKEA kitchen cabinets. While he was viewing and measuring a home in person, he had excellent ideas. In fact, we adjusted some of our island and wall cabinetry after meeting with him–which meant we had to order some things and return some things. (And it was totally fine!). Also, if you meet with Dusan, no need to get IKEA to measure things–he has it covered! We are big fans of Dusan and his team in our household!
Overall, the Kitchen Renovation LLC team was reliable, efficient, trustworthy, and communicated with us every step of the way. I especially loved how at the end of each day they gave a quick rundown of what they did and what they plan to do the next day. I was often at home and would pop in to ask questions from time to time. They communicated well and were so kind and are VERY hard workers. We felt very comfortable with them in our home because they were so great!
Expert Care During a Kitchen Renovation
As we all know, renovations can often come with unexpected surprises, but Dusan always took the time to explain our options and answer every question we had. In fact, once I kept texting him about an outlet on our island he calmly answered my questions and then gave me a quick call to put my mind at east. He said it was totally normal and reassured me that all is well and it was. He is great!
The Kitchen Renovation LLC team are true experts with their craft. Every cabinet was installed with incredible precision and it was clear that the team cared about doing quality work. The finished kitchen literally looks custom-built — and it is considering IKEA has so many options for cabinets. The teams’ hard work and attention to every detail makes our kitchen look amazing.
Throughout the project, everyone communicated well. I really appreciate how they would check in at the end of the day and say what they did and what they plan to do on the next day. They also would ask me questions periodically about island placement, outlet placement, and tile placement. We always knew what was going on and what was happening next. There was a level of trust that made the entire experience actually enjoyable!
The team also worked very efficiently as quality IKEA Kitchen installers. They respected our home, kept the workspace organized, sectioned off spaces to mitigate dust everywhere else, were kind to our kids when they got home from school, and showed up as expected. The Kitchen Renovation LLC team is speedy, reliable, and are excellent craftsmen. I actually missed them when they finished!
Overall, doing an IKEA renovation with Kitchen Renovation LLC installing it all was the best decision. IKEA made the design, planning, and delivery process simple, while Dusan and his team brought expert attention to detail and made our vision come to life with their skill and professionalism. It is clear that Dusan and his team install a lot of kitchens because it is so seamless. Also, they have worked together for years which I think is also a testament to everyone. Not only do they do kitchen renovations, but do bathroom renovations, entryways, additions, etc. They can do so much!
Tips for an IKEA Kitchen Renovation
Our kitchen has completely transformed how we use our home. It’s now a space where our family gathers, cooks, entertains, and makes memories together every day. If you’re considering a kitchen renovation in the DC area, we wholeheartedly recommend both IKEA for their outstanding kitchen planning services and Kitchen Renovation LLC for expert installation and craftsmanship.
IKEA Kitchen Renovation Tips:
- If you have ideas, draw out your plan.
- Use a spreadsheet with what is in your kitchen and what will go in each cabinet.
- Stay on budget with a spreadsheet.
- Make sure you are an IKEA Family Member to get “points” for each order
- IKEA Family Members can return items up to one year after purchase (which we had to use for a few things)
- We also got IKEA knobs and love them. We got several knobs with points we earned.
We got our countertops from a recommendation from Dusan. I went by and loved their selection. I was starting to order what I selected, but then went to my neighbors and loved her countertop so much that I ordered that version instead. It is called Sea Court.
Money Saving Tips During a Kitchen Renovation
1. As mentioned, join the IKEA Family membership to earn points — it’s free! We actually used these points to purchase some of our knobs later on in the renovation process.
2. I love Facebook Marketplace! I got several of our kitchen tiles from there and ordered more from Birch Lane. I also got our hood over our stove from Facebook Marketplace. Plus, our Subzero fridge!
3. I got our vintage pendant light from Community Forklift and love it so much. They have lots to offer there when renovating.
4. I ordered our sink and faucet are from Home Depot. Plus, that is where I picked up all of our paint from.
5. Have you been to a local scratch and dent? I got both our paneled dishwasher and slide in gas stove from a local scratch and dent. A lot of them sell items on Facebook Marketplace — know things sell quickly on there! Once you think you find something you like, they can text or message photos to confirm.
6. Of course, Amazon has so many things. Knobs, handles, light fixtures, knick knacks, you know. Everything!
7. We got our Waterdrop Filter on a Black Friday sale and are very happy with it. Kitchen Renovation LLC installed it easily!
8. Use the free spreadsheet I am sharing with you to watch spending.
We are so happy with our IKEA Kitchen Renovation
We’re beyond thrilled with the results and couldn’t imagine a better renovation experience. As a type A and B mom, I think one of the biggest things to practice during a kitchen renovation is gratitude! It is a blessing to save up, plan, and see your dreams come to fruition! I hope my IKEA Kitchen renovation tips are helpful. Share any tips you have in the comments!
All of these opinions are my own and this is my personal experience. There are Amazon Affiliate links in here. If you do choose to purchase something through these links, it won’t change your price and a teeny-tiny portion of the sale would go towards our site and we would be so grateful!
